U.S. Blockade Damages Cuban Postal Service

Havana, October 12 — The economic, financial and trade blockade imposed by the government of the United States against Cuba causes major losses to the island nation’s postal services, Granma newspaper said Friday.

As direct flights to the United States are banned under the U.S. sanctions, Cuba has to send mail via a third country, even though the U.S. state of Florida is merely miles away.

Granma reports that direct mail services between the two countries were canceled in 1963, at a time when Washington decided to tighten the economic siege against Havana.

The two countries have been in contact for the resumption of direct postal links, but not agreement has not yet been reached.